Great Libraries across Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a city with a close relation to literature.
It has several places that nurture your love for the written word, such as the
numerous libraries that are spread across the city. These places are great if
you are a bibliophile and if you wish to sit privately and in complete peace.
Below are some of the best libraries that you can visit while on your Amsterdam private tours.

Openbare Bibliotheek
Amsterdam (OBA)

This is the main library in the city. It sits near the
Centraal Station and has the city to one side and the river IJ to the other.
The library houses children’s books on the bottom floor and the newspapers and
magazines on the main floor. Apart from this, you will find 7 other floors that
can be explored. There are sections devoted to different topics. Furthermore,
there are foreign language texts and multimedia sections for the public to
explore.

You can bring your books or laptop and indulge in studies.
There are also a few cafes on the ground floor where you can take a break. If
you want to borrow materials from this library, you will need a membership, but
visiting the place is free of cost.

Rijksmuseum Library

The Cuypers Library in the Rijksmuseum is one of its exhibits.
The 19th-century library reading room is open to visitors on tour there. The
Rijksmuseum Research Library is an important place in the art world. There are whole
catalogs of exhibitions, auctions, and a sizeable collection of periodicals,
books, and annual reports. Visitors require a pass to access the library. You can
enjoy a refreshing break at one of the cafes located nearby.

Ritman Library/Bibliotheca
Philosophica Hermetica

The Ritman Library recently upgraded its status from a
private library to a public institution. The authorities moved the collections
to the Huis met de Hoofden, and named this library the Embassy of the Free
Mind. The library specializes in Hermetic tradition manuscripts. Besides, there
are several important works from the spiritual, religious, and cultural areas, apart from art and science. Note that Author
Dan Brown used some of the books from this library to conduct research on his
books. You can access the place by getting a membership. There is also the option
to book a guided tour.

Artis Bibliotheek

This is a 19th-century gallery situated in the Artis Zoo.
There is lots of material here related to natural history, the history of the
zoo, evolutionary theory, and records. Although the library sits adjacent to
the zoo, it was separated from the latter when it went bankrupt. Ownership of
the zoo was transferred to the University of Amsterdam. The library now serves
as a part of the Bijzondere Collecties of the University of Amsterdam, and is
accessible to students all the time, and to the public on only a few days of
the week. Their official website has more details. Note that the neighborhood
has many lively activities for a tourist to indulge in.

Huis De Pinto

Huis de Pinto is a cultural and educational center meant
for locals and visitors. The place has a nice library where you can spend time
reading or spending a quiet afternoon. There is also a sizeable collection of
newspapers and periodicals in the place, which you can read. Apart from the
reading rooms and exchange library, the place hosts poetry recitals, music
performances, lectures, and art exhibitions.

Amsterdam University
Library

The Universiteit van Amsterdam Bibliotheek is a great
place for students to conduct research and find material to supplement their
studies with. The place provides tables and benches around the building as well
as private rooms. Students, staff, faculty, and others can access the library
with an issued card. Furthermore, the place also provides free WiFi for
students. Note that if you are not a member of the University, or belong to
another university, you will be asked for a library card before being allowed access
to materials and books. Their official website has details on the timings and
membership.

Oba Roelof Hartplein

The Roelof Hartplein library is located in Amsterdam Zuid
and is free to the visitors. However, you need a membership if you want to
borrow materials. You would have to produce identification, a local address and
a yearly payment. That lets you borrow as many books as you want. Besides, the
library gives free WiFi services. In case you need just internet access when
you visit, you can pay on the minute. Roelof Hartplein also has a café beside
the study room, and close to the main entrance, where you can sit peacefully and
stay immersed in your work.